We all know what it feels like to be stressed out and anxious. Whether it's worrying about a big presentation at work, or an upcoming test, stress, and anxiety can wreak havoc on our mental and physical health. Yet, there are ways to cope with these feelings and manage our stress and anxiety levels. Here are five of them:
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1) Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to help reduce stress and anxiety. It gets our heart rate up and releases endorphins, which can relieve stress and anxiety.
2) Identify Your Triggers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can be helpful to take a step back and examine what might be triggering your stress or anxiety. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can start to develop a plan for how to deal with them. For support, visit changefutures.org.au for advice.
Triggers can be different for everyone, but some common triggers include:
- Certain people or situations
- Times of day or week
- Changes in routine
- Certain places
- Receiving bad news
- Work deadlines
- Financial problems
3) Avoid Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
It’s important to avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as alcohol, drugs, or other forms of self-harm. These might provide temporary relief from stress and anxiety, but they will ultimately make your situation worse.
4) Seek Professional Help
If your stress and anxiety are affecting your quality of life, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist can help you identify the source of your stress and anxiety and develop a treatment plan. If you decide to see a therapist, ask your doctor for a referral or look for one who specializes in treating stress and anxiety disorders.
5) Create a Support Network
- Talk to people who understand. If you’re struggling with stress and anxiety, it can be helpful to talk to people who understand what you’re going through. Consider talking to a friend, family member, therapist, or counsellor.
- Join a support group. There are many different types of support groups for people with stress and anxiety disorders. These groups provide an opportunity to share your experiences with others who are dealing with similar issues.
- Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you understand your stress and anxiety and make sure there is no underlying medical cause. They can also provide you with information about treatment options and refer you to a mental health professional if needed.
- Avoid drugs and alcohol. While it may seem like drugs and alcohol can help reduce stress in the short term, they can make your symptoms worse in the long term. If you’re struggling with stress or anxiety, it’s important to avoid using these substances to cope.
- Take care of yourself. It’s important to take care of yourself when you’re dealing with stress and anxiety. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, and take breaks when you need them.
6) Develop a Healthy Lifestyle
One of the best ways to manage stress and anxiety is to develop healthy lifestyle habits. This means exercise, healthy eating, and plenty of sleep.
Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. A healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. Plus, getting enough sleep helps your body recover from the day’s stressors and prepare for the next day.
Developing healthy lifestyle habits takes time and effort, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Not only will you feel better physically, but you’ll also feel better mentally and emotionally.
